The Midnight Murder

“Mom, I’m scared. What if they come again?” Vaishali sat on bed with her head between her knees, and started crying. Rekha, Vaishali’s mom, gently stroked her back, trying to calm her down.

“They won’t. Don’t worry. We are safe here.” She gently pressed her daughter’s hands.

“Let’s sleep now. It’s already past midnight.” She hugged Vaishali for a few minutes. Then the bedroom light was turned off, and both went to sleep.

Next day, in the morning, the clock struck seven. At the same time, someone banged on the door.

“Hello, open the door. It's the police.” A male voice yelled, and banged on the door again, even loudly.

Vaishali got up in fear, and looked towards the hall. She woke up her mom.

“Mom, someone is banging on the door… I’m scared mom.” She hugged Rekha tightly.

“Hello, it’s the police. We’ve come to help you. Open the door now.” That same voice yelled again. Suddenly the banging stopped. There was silence for a few minutes.

Suddenly, the door opened with a bang, and around 4-5 people in police uniform entered the house. Vaishali and Rekha came out of their bedroom in fear. One, who looked like a Sub Inspector, looked at them.

“Constable Kamble, go and check the bedroom.” He ordered, and Kamble obeyed.

“H-hey! Who are you guys? Why are you in our home...? You, stop there!” Rekha tried to stop Kamble, but he ignored, and entered the bedroom.

“Hey! I told you to stop… How da-” Before Rekha could finish her sentence, Kamble shouted from inside.

“Sir, come here. You should see this.”

Following Kamble in anger, Rekha entered the bedroom, and was stunned. The Sub Inspector entered, and stood behind Rekha with a worried look.

“It looks like the murder took place last midnight. Kamble, seal this flat, and call the forensic team now.”

“Yes, sir!” Kamble was about to make a call, then the Sub Inspector frowned, looking at the two corpses, and asked, “By the way, who were the residents... I mean, these victims… that neighbor mentioned?”

“Rekha Vernekar and Vaishali Vernekar, mother and daughter, sir.” Kamble replied while calling the forensic team.